Quick-thinking avoids possible carjacking

Media Relations Officer Kevin Kelshaw informed local Historic City News reporters that a man is being sought in connection with an attempted carjacking that occurred early this morning in front of the Kangaroo convenience store; located at 465 SR-16 near Schaller Road.

The man approached a customer, from behind the building, as she returned to her vehicle, told her that he “just escaped from jail”, and needed her car to make his getaway.

At 4:35 a.m., the would-be carjacker demanded that the 31-year-old female victim turn over the car to him, but she resisted. She told him that she needed it for work. He threatened her and said that she did not want to fight him to keep it.

The woman backed away, reached into the passenger side of the vehicle, and removed her cell phone and keys. She ran back into the store and had the clerk call the Sheriff’s Office.

When the carjacker was unable to start the car, he was seen leaving the scene, on foot, headed west on SR-16.

Deputies searched the area but did not locate the man who was described as a white male wearing a black t-shirt, blue jeans, tennis shoes and a light colored ball cap.

Detective Sean Tice told Historic City News that two possible witnesses were at the store just before the attempted carjacking. A white female with blonde hair, wearing a red or maroon colored blouse and blue jean shorts, walking with crutches, was observed talking with the assailant prior to the incident.

The other possible witness was an older white male driving a dark colored SUV.

Anyone with information concerning this crime is asked to contact the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office at (904) 824-8304. You can remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a cash reward by calling CrimeStoppers of Northeast Florida at 1-888-277-TIPS (8477).